Perseverance was the key for the St. Thomas Tommies on Saturday against the University of New Brunswick Saint John Seawolves. STU was able to come up with a 3-2 win.
“We never gave up,” said men’s soccer head coach, Darren Cann, following STU’s home match at Scotiabank South Field. “We didn’t accept it when they came back and scored to tie it late.”
For Cann, STU (1-2-1) prevailing over UNBSJ (2-1-2) was special. It’s been a long time since the Tommies have beaten the Seawolves. STU has tied one and lost two of their last three matchups with UNBSJ, with their tie coming on Sept. 28, 2013.
“I’m pleased and happy with the result,” he said. “It’s good to get the three points.”
Emmanuel Nizeyimana put STU on the board late in the first half, but UNBSJ’s Shariyar Yamini responded a minute into the second.
Xavier Ponce put STU up 2-1 at the 61 minute mark. Mark Allison answered three minutes later before Daniel Steeves sealed the Seawolves’ fate with four minutes to go.
“We wanted to carry on,” said Cann. “Our boys showed a lot of character in getting the winning goal. They didn’t stop or give up.”
Going forward, Cann said the Tommies need to play a tighter defensive game.
“That’s how it has to be all over the park,” he said. “We gave up a goal off a kickoff from the corner. Possession wise, we have to be more careful with the ball and avoid giving it away.”
Cann said the Tommies knew they would get a run for their money against UNBSJ.
“They have good individual players,” said Cann. “They’re similar to us in the sense that they work hard and grind. They don’t give up, and we edged it out at the end.”
